For the skinny on Maui’s best breakfast spots, follow the locals. Hotels and resorts may roll out fabulous spreads for the first meal of the day, but sometimes the less prominent eateries end up making the greatest impact on hungry visitors.
Here’s an insider’s look at six breakfast gems, where food arrives with an extra helping of Maui hospitality.
Baked on Maui, Haiku
Some restaurants are worth going out of your way. Baked on Maui falls squarely into that category. Surrounded by laid-back art galleries and surf shops, this casual hangout exudes a uniquely north shore vibe.
A favorite dish is the Haiku, an omelet with roasted eggplant, tomato, spinach, goat cheese and a balsamic drizzle. Other popular menu items include the smoked salmon bagel plate (with cream cheese, tomato, spanish onion and capers); the Paniolo skillet (two eggs, house fries, bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa and avocado); and a variety of benedicts, waffles and other breakfast staples.
Whether clients sit indoors or out, they’re guaranteed gratis Wi-Fi access and fun people-watching.
Belle Surf Cafe, Kihei
Kihei meets Paris at Belle Surf Cafe, an outdoor, south Maui bistro created by a transplant from France. Crepes, served all day, captivate lovers of the savory and the sweet, with options such as the Belle Surf Bagel (cream cheese, cucumber, avocado, olive oil, himalayan salt and black cracked pepper) and The Sunshine (French bread, cashew butter, strawberries, bananas and mocha sauce). Avocado toast is reimagined with feta and lime, and smoothies are loaded with kale, dragon fruit and other fresh, area-grown products.
Signature coffees complement the food, with fair-trade beans from exotic, far-flung plantations.
Grandma’s Coffee House, Kula
Grandma’s Coffee House is a destination in itself. Family-run for four generations, the upcountry hole-in-the-wall takes pride in its organic coffee made from beans cultivated on the slopes of Haleakala volcano.
Guests can try the Bull's Eye breakfast (two eggs over easy over corned beef hash, over a bed of rice, surrounded by triangular cut spam, and lightly drizzled with ketchup) or Grandma's Famous Chili Cheese Omelet, along with classic breakfast staples such as Belgian waffles and acai bowls.
Honolua Store, Kapalua
This plantation-style building in Kapalua Resort dates back to 1929. Its wraparound lanai makes the perfect perch for ushering in the morning with cooked-to-order fare such as biscuits and eggs with gravy and sweet-bread French toast sprinkled with powdered sugar. Honolua Store shows off its island roots with the kalua pork burrito as well as kimchi-fried rice and eggs with teriyaki beef.
Clients can fill up here before a busy day on Kapalua’s beach, golf course or ziplines.
Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop, Olawalu
Seven miles south of Lahaina awaits this friendly roadside attraction with bountiful breakfasts. With a menu of “glorified comfort food,” Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop's limited menu serves a variety of sandwiches, hoagies, baked goods and sweet and savory pies.
At Leoda’s, frittatas taste extra-fresh thanks to eggs from Maui farms.
Credit: 2018 Leoda's Kitchen & Pie ShopStillwell’s Bakery & Cafe, Wailuku
Many locals believe Stillwell’s is Maui’s best bakery, and it’s hard to argue with this statement. Set in historic Wailuku town, it’s a tiny cafe with spillover seating outside. While the breakfast menu holds no surprises — think fried-egg sandwiches with the choice of meat, two eggs, cheddar cheese, grilled tomato and mayo. Everything is prepared to perfection.
But the real reason to stop by Stillwell’s is its selection of pastries. Magnificent muffins, pies and tarts are stuffed with mouthwatering ingredients, from chocolate mousse to regional fruit. Taking center stage are its light, luscious cream horns, a decadent addition to any Maui breakfast.
Editor's Note: This story, originally published Sept. 26, 2018, was updated on April 15, 2022.
